AN intra-Wales air service took a step closer to take-off yesterday with the launch of a consultation exercise.

Proposals which could eventually slash journey times between North and South Wales by more than half, were unveiled by Economic Development and Transport Minister Andrew Davies.

Such a service would almost certainly require public funding, both in terms of airport infrastructure improvements and subsidies to operators.

Andrew Davies said, "Air services have tremendous potential to improve transport links in Wales, especially between North and South.

"At present travelling times are lengthy. For example, it takes around five hours to get from Holyhead to Cardiff by surface transport, whereas an air service would cut the journey time by more than half, even after allowing for travel to the airports.

"The consultation document is the first time that the development of intra-Wales scheduled air services has been considered systematically.

"Such an assessment is long overdue."

The report considers various network options and what investment would be necessary to develop both air services and airport infrastructure to an appropriate standard.

Mr Davies added, "The potential economic benefits of developing internal air services are significant in terms both of jobs created and time savings for passengers.

"But there are other important benefits in terms of better business linkages, improved attractiveness of Wales for inward investors and tourism. And it is important not to lose sight of other less tangible benefits which would flow from bridging the perceived North-South divide in Wales."

Mr Davies sought to allay concerns about the environmental impact of the services and underlined his commitment to sustainable development. "The development of air services would need to be balanced against environmental objectives and meet the Assembly Government's sustainable development criteria."

The scale of any future services, involving a small number of turboprop aircraft movements, would not give rise to any significant environmental impacts, it is felt.

"There is still a lot of work to be done to turn this vision into a reality, but the consultation marks the start of the process. I want to assess the level of support for intra-Wales air services and to identify the options which are most desirable for both business and the wider community."

Mr Davies was speaking at the launch of the consultation document at Cardiff International Airport.

Jon Horne, managing director of the airport, said, "The prospect of intra-Wales air services is tremendously exciting. Cardiff International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the UK.

"Intra-Wales services would not only cut journey times within Wales, but also enable passengers from other parts of Wales to take advantage of our ever-increasing range of scheduled destinations."

However, the initiative was yesterday criticised by independent AM and deputy presiding officer John Marek, who said any public funding would be a "complete waste of money."

Mr Marek said, "An intra-Wales air service would not make a profit and would require subsidy. If we are going to put money into transport it should be into railways.

"The only people who are going to use an intra-Wales air service are captains of industry, Assembly ministers, paid for by their departments and AMs paid for by the Assembly. If the private sector can make a go of such a service it would be a different matter, but the Assembly should not put a penny into it."